The state Department of Transportation is encouraging the public to participate in an online opinion poll and provide comments about a project that would install a decorative lighting scheme on the New River Gorge Bridge.

Still in the concept stage, the project “could enhance the bridge’s popularity, both in and outside of our state, and could become a major tourist attraction for visitors to The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve upon its completion,” according to DOT Secretary Paul Mattox.

A website, www.transportation.wv.gov/bridgelighting, has been set up to solicit public comment on the idea.

“The New River Gorge Bridge: Virtual Lighting of a West Virginia Icon,” a video on the website, depicts animations of several lighting schemes with varying colors and fades.

According to the website, the lights could be automated to turn on and change color and intensity according to weather conditions and natural light levels.

Beginning the evening with animations of “varying movements, color and intensity,” the lights would eventually rest on one scheme for the night, perhaps with subtly changing colors.

They would not run for the entire night, and could be operated seasonally.

The video shows the lit bridge from several different views, including Fayette Station Road, a lower overlook, and a new overlook at the southwestern gorge rim that is also a part of the concept description.

The new overlook would provide 39 parking spaces, restrooms, vending facilities and an observation deck with tables and benches for day or night viewing.

It would be accessed via a road off of Fayette Station to parallel U.S. 19 up to the gorge rim. 

The DOT has emphasized the project is still in the concept stage, and not yet a formal proposal.

The public has until Nov. 30 to submit comments and participate in the online opinion poll.

Once the public’s reception has been tested, says Walker, the DOT will decide on next steps. If feedback is overwhelmingly and strongly negative, it’s unlikely the project will move forward.

If not, an environmental review and public hearings will be set up.

“We’d want to make sure we’re working with the National Parks Service and our local leaders and going about things in the right way, the responsible way,” says Walker. “We would make sure to take environmental concerns into account, as well as any other concerns.”

Some concerns have been raised about whether the project’s electricity usage would be warranted, both in terms of cost and energy conservation.

“We’d look at ways of being responsible and efficient,” says Walker. He welcomes ideas and proposals relevant to energy usage.

“Maybe we could look at solar, I don’t know,” says Walker. “If they think it’s a great idea but have some concerns, then let’s think of ways to overcome those. It would be helpful if they didn’t stop at concerns, and offered solutions to those.”

The project cost is estimated at $4 million to $6 million. Walker says funding has not been secured for the lighting, but if the public seems receptive to the project, private sponsorship would be one possible funding avenue.

Other bridges in the state have been aesthetically lit, such as the High Level Bridge in Fairmont; the soon-to-be-completed Market Street Bridge in Follansbee; and the Kanawha Boulevard Bridge in Charleston. Funding for the latter was provided by a private source.

“It has provided a big lift in those communities,” says Walker.

The website suggests the project could be complete by June 2013, which would coincide with the state’s sesquicentennial celebration and come just in time for the National Scout Jamboree to be held in Fayette County during July of that year.

To find more information on the lighting concept or submit a comment, visit www.transportation.wv.gov/bridgelighting.

— E-mail: cmoore@

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